Restaurant Best Of Both Worlds -- Good Food, Prices Eatery Serves Up Good Food, Prices In Country Setting

January 17, 1986|By Jan Walker

At many family-style franchise restaurants, food quality is sometimes sacrificed to make up for quantity or low prices.

But at Sonny's Real Pit Bar-B-Q in Leesburg, diners can have the best of both worlds. Consistently good smoked barbecue, low prices and ample portions make family dining at Sonny's not only pleasurable, but inexpensive as well.

The menu consists of the basic barbecue standards: beef, pork, ribs and chicken, which can be ordered in a sandwich or as a luncheon or dinner plate, served with french fries, coleslaw and garlic bread. Prices for barbecue plates range from $4.40 to $5.65 for dinner, $3.40 for lunch.

Other entrees include choice boneless strip steak, served with french fries, garlic bread and tossed salad ($7.85); charbroiled hamburger steak, with french fries, garlic bread and salad ($4.40); and a fish dinner, served with french fries, garlic bread, coleslaw and tartar sauce ($4.40).

A dieter's special includes a choice of beef, chicken, pork or hamburger patty and a trip to the salad bar for $4.25 (with a regular tossed salad, $3.25).

Sonny's huge salad bar is a salad lover's dream, stocked with an assortment of fresh vegetables and toppings. A trip to the salad bar costs $2.85, salad with soup is slightly higher.

Barbecue sandwiches are available in two sizes, regular ($2) and jumbo ($2.25). Other sandwiches include fried fish ($2); chicken filet ($1.95); and hamburgers ($1.55-$2.05).

Side orders are available, including coleslaw, french fries, corn on the cob, barbecue beans, potato salad, onion rings and applesauce.

A children's menu is offered for kids under 12. Children's entrees are small-sized versions of the barbecue plates ($3.30 and $4.50) and salad bar ($1.50).

The restaurant, at 1396 West North Blvd., opened four years ago and maintains a steady business, said manager Scott Barber.

Barber, who arrives at 8 a.m. to fire up the smoker and prepare for the daily cooking, said his main objective is to provide his customers with good food and friendly service.

Sonny's gets high marks on both points. The barbecue is tasty and well- prepared, not overcooked as is sometimes the case with smoked foods. Servers are friendly and efficient.

The atmosphere is decidedly country, with the usual western-style decor featuring wood paneling, wagon-wheel light fixtures, wooden picnic tables and benches and country music playing in the background.